Submersible, integral light and heater assembly

Abstract

A submersible, integral light and heater assembly (10) designed to be attached to an interior surface of a water containment structure (12) such as a hot tub, spa, pool or water fountain. The assembly (10) consists of an integral enclosure (40) having on three sides, an opening covered with a heat-resistant transparent glass (76). Within the enclosure (40) is attached a gas manifold (100) that when ignited, the gas produces a fire light and heat. The fire light is visible through the three enclosure openings and permeates through the water in the water containment structure (12) producing a mood setting atmosphere.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Provisional patent application 60/126,271 filed Mar. 26, 1999 and Utility patent application 09/532,210 filed Mar. 22, 2000 both now abandoned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention encompasses the general field of submerged lights and heaters. More particularly, the invention pertains to an integrated light and heater assembly that is designed to be submerged in a water containment structure such as a swimming pool or a hot tub.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] Swimming pools and hot tubs are one of the most popular and widely used types of water-based recreation. Initially, hot tubs were considered by many to be an expensive luxury, and only for people who were not satisfied with merely owning a swimming pool. This type of thinking was exacerbated by the fact that early hot tubs were often unreasonably over-priced. After the initial novelty wore off though, and hot tub manufacturers and sellers realized that most people would not pay the exorbitant prices, the popularity of hot tubs changed.

[0004] It was then seen that hot tubs could be built and sold at significantly lower prices. The coupling of lower prices and the concept of the hot tub being part of a complete pool package greatly increased the hot tub's popularity. It was also discovered that for people who could not afford a full-size pool, or for those who did not have sufficient space for a pool, a hot tub was the perfect alternative. The final convincing point came when many medical professionals suggested to persons with various problems such as muscle aches, arthritis and even headaches, that time spent in a hot tub might alleviate some of these pains. Hot tubs hve thus become substantially popular, and the availability of semi-permanent or movable hot tubs has added even more to their popularity.

[0005] Unfortunately, unlike swimming pools which can be customized with various personal features ranging from black-painted bottoms, to waterfalls and slides, hot tubs do not possess the ability to offer many customization possibilities. If it were possible to add a feature to conventional hot tubs and swimming pools, especially a feature which could substantially enhance the aesthetics and experience of enjoying a swimming pool and especially a hot tub, it would definitely create an improvement.

[0006] A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention. However, the following U.S. Patents are considered related: 1 PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 3,824,986 Ramey 23 July 1974 3,713,636 Helms 30 January 1973 3,554,182 Whitacre, et al 12 January 1971 3,274,918 Stapleton 27 September 1966

[0007] The U.S. Pat. No. 3,824,986 discloses a pool heater adapted to be submersible within the pool. The pool heater includes a vent assembly, which is supported above the pool water level, and a duct assembly which is submersed below the pool Water. The vent assembly has a vented outer housing having an exhaust stack that terminates below an aperture to enable cool inlet air to be drawn therethrough to cool the outer housing. On the bottom of the housing is a combustion chamber that includes a heat exchanger, which provides a turbulent flow for the combustion exhaust.

[0008] The U.S. Pat. No. 3,713,636 discloses an incendiary torch having a cylindrical housing with a nozzle positioned at one end. The nozzle is held in place by a retainer cap that is threadedly attached to the housing. The housing includes a diaphragm overlying the aperture in the nozzle to prevent the ambient environment from entering the torch chamber. The end of the torch housing may be connected to a work holding device.

[0009] The U.S. Pat. No. 3,554,182 discloses a submersed liquid heater for heating a swimming pool. The heater has a mixing unit for air and fuel to permit the use of air under comparatively low pressures. The combustion generated is of the pulse type and the combustion chamber has a high radiating potential, which radiates its heat to the enclosing heat-conducting walls of the chamber in contact with the liquid to be heated. An exhaust tube also submerged in the heated liquid carries the exhaust gases to the liquid to be heated.

[0010] The U.S. Pat. No. 3,274,918 discloses a stock tank heater consisting of a burner box that includes a cover which admits fresh air, and a gas fume exhaust. The heater is adapted to be placed into a water stock tank with the top of the burner box located above the level of the water. The burner box is secured to an interior side of the tank with its base resting on the bottom of the tank.

[0011] For background purposes and as indicative of the art to which the invention relates, reference may be made to the following remaining patents found in the search. 2 PATENT NO. INVENTOR ISSUED 4,660,541 Moore 28 April 1987 3,747,588 Booth 24 July 1973  3,289,439 Hall  6 December 1966

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The submersible, integral light and heater assembly is specifically designed to be submersibly attached to an interior wall of a water containment structure which includes hot tubs, spas, pools jacuzzis and water fountains. In its most basic design, the assembly consists of:

[0013] An integral enclosure having an exhaust and a plurality of glass covered openings.

[0014] A gas manifold located within the confines of the enclosure, and

[0015] A controllable gas source that is connected to the gas manifold. When the gas emanating from the gas manifold is ignited, the fire produced by the gas flame is visible through the plurality of glass covered openings and emanates into the water in the water containment structure.

[0016] The integral enclosure, is preferably constructed of stainless steel; and the glass covering the openings is made of a heat-resistant material such as fused quartz.

[0017] The gas manifold incorporates an automatic Norton gas ignitor and can be designed to include a water injection port. When water is dispersed over the gas flame, the color of the flame changes to an orange color. Likewise, when air is pre-mixed with the gas applied to the enclosure, the color of the flame changes to a blue color or a yellow color, depending on the ratio of gas to air applied. To further enhance the aesthetics of the assembly, one or two artificial logs can be placed over the gas manifold to simulate a submerged fireplace.

[0018] In view of the above disclosure, the primary object of the invention is to provide a submersible, integral light and heater assembly that when attached to a hot tub or the like produces a controllable fire light and heater that adds to the aesthetics and mood of the hot tub.

[0019] In addition to the primary object of the invention, it is also an object of the invention to produce an assembly that:

[0020] provides an underwater light and heater that is enclosed in a single integrated assembly,

[0021] can be attached to any water containment structure including hot tubs, spas, pools, fountains and the like,

[0022] can consist of a single enclosure or, with large water containment structures such as hotel pools, several assemblies can be installed and operated, and

[0023] is reliable, has a long useful life, and is relatively maintenance free.

[0024] These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description of the preferred embodiment and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a submersible, integral light and heater assembly installed within a hot tub.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the assembly.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a right-side elevational/sectional view of the assembly attached to a wall of a water containment structure. The left-side elevational view is a mirror image thereof.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the assembly.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a top-plan view of a gas manifold showing the relative location of a gas inlet port, a water injection port and a Norton hot surface ignitor

[0031] FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of the gas manifold having attached to its upper surface a flame diffusion plate.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0032] The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of a preferred embodiment for a submersible, integral light and heater assembly 10 that is adapted to be submersibly installed within a water containment structure 12. The structure 12, as shown in FIG. 1, is comprised of a hot tub, however other design structures 12 including a spa, a pool, a jacuzzi, a water fountain or the like can also be utilized.

[0033] The water containment structure 12, in all designs, incorporates a lower surface 14, from where extends upward a contiguous vertical wall 16 terminating in a perimeter rail 18. The structure 12 is modified by having on one side of the vertical wall 16 an assembly mounting opening 20 having a set of perimeter mounting bores 22.

[0034] The submersible, integral light and heater assembly 10, as shown in FIGS. 2-7, can be constructed of a metal or a composite material with a metal such as stainless steel preferred. The assembly 10 is comprised of an integral enclosure 40 which includes an inner section 42 having an inner opening 44; an outer section 46 having an outer opening 48; an upper section 50 having an upper opening 52; a first side 54 having a first opening 56; a second side 58 having a second opening 60; a lower section 62 and an enclosure mounting flange 66 that is located around the outer surface of the enclosure and inward from the outer section 46, as best shown in FIG. 4. The mounting flange can be integrally molded with the enclosure 40, or can consist of a separate element that is welded to the enclosure 40.

[0035] The enclosure 40, as best shown in FIG. 4, is dimensioned to be inserted through the assembly mounting opening 20 located on the water containment structure 12. When inserted, the mounting flange 66 presses against the inner surface of the vertical wall 16. The flange 66 has a set of threaded flange mounting bores 68 that are in alignment with the set of perimeter mounting bores 22. When a threaded bolt 70 is inserted through the two sets of mounting bores, the mounting flange 66 and the enclosure 40 are secured to the water containment structure 12. To further secure the flange 66 and prevent water leakage, a solid silicone gasket 72 or a quantity of RTV silicone 74 is placed between the flange 66 and the inner surface of the vertical wall 16.

[0036] To the enclosure's inner opening 44, the upper opening 52, the first opening 56 and the second opening 60 is attached, by an attachment means, a heat-resistant transparent glass 76 that preferably consists of fused quartz. The glass attachment means (not shown) can consist of an adhesive, a series of articulated tabs or a combination thereof. To the outer opening 48, that is the opening that is accessed through the outer side of the vertical wall 16, is located an access panel 80 having an access opening 82 to which is attached, by an attachment means, an exhaust screen 84. The access panel 80 can consist of a plate 86 (not shown) that is attached by a set of bolts, or as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the panel 80 can consist of a hinged door 88 that incorporates a lockable handle 90, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0037] The final element that comprises the basic design of the assembly 10 is a gas manifold 100 that is attached, by an attachment means, to the inner surface of the lower section 62 of the enclosure 40. The gas manifold, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, includes a plurality of gas flow tubes 102, with the tubes having a multiplicity of gas jets 104. To one side of the gas manifold 100 is attached a gas inlet port 106 and to one of the gas flow tubes 104 is attached a Norton hot surface ignitor 108. To the gas inlet port 106 is connected, via a gas line 120, a source of gas 122 that is controlled by a shutoff valve 124. The gas source 126 can consist of utility natural gas or a bottled gas such as propane. As shown in FIG. 7, a flame defusing plate 110 can be attached, by means of standoffs 112, above the upper surface of the gas manifold 100. The diffuser allows the light and heat produced by the gas manifold to be evenly dispersed. To add to the aesthetics of the assembly 10, at least one artificial log (not shown) can be placed on top of the gas manifold 100 or the flame diffusing plate 110.

[0038] The gas manifold can be further comprised of a water injection port 126 that is attached to one of the gas flow tubes 102. The water injection port 126 is connected in series with a solenoid injection pump 128, which is connected to a water source 130, as shown in FIG. 6. The pump 128 is designed to produce a pulsating water flow that exits through at least one of the gas jets 104 located on the gas manifold 100. When the pulsating water source is dispersed over the gas flames, the color of the flame changes to an orange flame. Additionally, when air is pre-mixed with the natural or propane gas applied through the gas inlet port 106, the assembly 10 produces:

[0039] a blue flame when the natural gas or propane is mixed with air at a ratio of 75:25 respectively, and

[0040] a yellow flame when the natural gas or propane is mixed with air at a ratio of 90:10 respectively.

[0041] To enhance the visibility of the produced light, the exhaust screen 84, attached to the panel 80, can be made of a reflective material.

[0042] To further enhance the utility of the assembly 10 a diffused light source 134, as shown in FIG. 1, can be incorporated. To create the diffused light source 134, the inner surface 136 of the hot tub is designed to include a translucent panel 138 and an enclosure 140. Into the enclosure is inserted a lamp 142 that is accessible from a panel 144 located on the vertical wall 16.

[0043] In addition to the preferred embodiment as described above, the invention is also applicable for use in larger structures such as hotel pools. In a typical larger structure, several enclosures 40 would be located around the interior vertical walls of the pool.

[0044] While the invention has been described in complete detail and pictorially shown in the accompanying drawings it is not to be limited to such details, since many changes and modifications may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Hence, it is described to cover any and all modifications and forms which may come within the language and scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A submersible, integral light and heater assembly adapted to be submersibly installed within a water containment structure, said assembly comprising:

a) an integral enclosure having an exhaust and a plurality of glass covered openings,

b) a gas manifold located within the confines of said enclosure, and

c) a controllable gas source connected to said gas manifold wherein when said gas emanating from said gas manifold is ignited, the fire produced from the gas flame is visible through the plurality of glass covered openings and emanates into the water in said water containment structure.

2. The assembly as specified in claim 1 wherein said enclosure further comprises an exhaust screen.

3. The assembly as specified in claim 1 wherein said enclosure is preferably constructed of stainless steel.

4. The assembly as specified in claim 3 wherein said glass covered openings utilize a heat-resistant glass that preferably consists of fused quartz.

5. The assembly as specified in claim 3 wherein said gas manifold further comprises a water injection port extending from one of the gas flow tubes, wherein said water injection port is connected in series with a solenoid injection pump that is connected to a water source and which provides a pulsating water stream that exits through at least one of the gas jets on said gas manifold, wherein when said pulsating water source is dispersed over the gas flames, the color of the flames changes to an orange color.

6. The assembly as specified in claim 3 wherein said gas manifold further comprises a Norton hot-surface ignitor.

7. The assembly as specified in claim 3 further comprising a source of air that is pre-mixed with the natural gas or propane gas applied into said enclosure, wherein when said air is pre-mixed with the natural or propane gas flame the assembly produces:

a) a blue flame when the natural gas or propane is mixed with air at a ratio of 75:25 respectively, and

b) a yellow flame when the natural gas or propane is mixed with air at a ratio of 90:10 respectively.

8. The assembly as specified in claim 1 further comprising at least one artificial log placed on top of said gas manifold or on top of a flame diffusing plate located over said gas manifold.

9. A submersible, integral light and heater assembly adapted to be submersibly installed within a water containment structure which includes a lower surface, from where extends upward a contiguous vertical wall terminating in a perimeter rail, wherein said structure is modified by having on one of the vertical walls an assembly mounting opening having a set of perimeter mounting bores, said assembly comprising:

a) an integral enclosure comprising an inner section having an inner opening, an outer section having an outer opening, an upper section having an upper opening, a first side having a first opening, a second side having a second opening, a lower section and an integral, enclosure mounting flange located inward from the outer section, wherein said enclosure is dimensioned to be inserted through the assembly mounting opening located on said water containment structure, wherein with said mounting flange is located around the outer surface of said enclosure and inward from the outer section, wherein said mounting flange having a set of threaded flange mounting bores in alignment with the set of perimeter mounting bores, wherein into the two sets of mounting bores is inserted a threaded bolt to secure said mounting flange to said water containment structure,

b) a heat-resistant transparent glass attached by an attachment means, the inner, upper first and second openings,

c) an access panel attached, by an attachment means, to the outer opening, wherein said access panel having an access opening that is enclosed by an exhaust screen,

d) a gas manifold attached to the lower section of said enclosure, said gas manifold having a plurality of gas flow tubes with each tube having a multiplicity of gas jets, one tube having a gas inlet port and another tube having Norton hot surface ignitor, and

e) a source of gas connected to the gas inlet port via a gas line having a shutoff valve.

10. The assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein the water containment structure consists of a hot tub, a spa, a pool or a water fountain.

11. The assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein said enclosure is constructed of stainless steel.

12. The assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein said mounting flange is integrally molded with said enclosure.

13. The assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein said mounting flange is comprised of a separate element that is welded to said enclosure.

14. The assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein said heat-resistant transparent glass is comprised of fused quartz.

15. The assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein said access panel is comprised of a plate that is attached by a set of bolts.

16. The assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein said access panel is comprised of a hinged door that incorporates a lockable handle.

17. The assembly as specified in claim 9 wherein said gas manifold further comprises a water injection port extending from one of the gas flow tubes, wherein said water injection port is connected in series with a solenoid injection pump which is connected to a water source, and which provide a pulsating water stream that exits through the water injection port.

18. The assembly as specified in claim 17 wherein when said water is dispersed over the natural gas flames the color of the flames change to an orange color.

19. The assembly as specified in claim 9 further comprising a source of air that is pre-mixed with the natural gas or propane gas applied into said enclosure, wherein when said air is pre-mixed with the natural or propane gas flame the assembly produces:

a) a blue flame when the natural gas or propane is mixed with air at a ratio of 75:25 respectively, and

b) a yellow flame when the natural gas or propane is mixed with air at a ratio of 90:10 respectively.

20. The assembly as specified in claim 9 further comprising at least one artificial log placed on top of said gas manifold or on top of a flame diffusing plate located above said gas manifold.